defrost

verb

de·​frost di-ˈfrȯst How to pronounce defrost (audio)
ˈdē-ˌfrȯst
defrosted; defrosting; defrosts

transitive verb

1
: to release from a frozen state
defrost meat
2
a
: to free from ice
defrost a refrigerator/freezer
b
: to clear (a window or windshield) with a vehicle's defroster
defrost a windshield to clear it of ice and condensation

intransitive verb

: to thaw out especially from a deep-frozen state

Examples of defrost in a Sentence

You can defrost the soup in the microwave. Has the refrigerator defrosted yet?
Recent Examples on the Web At the same time, my dad asks me to defrost some salmon. R29 Team, refinery29.com, 11 Sep. 2024 Earlier this year, Starbucks Workers United and the company defrosted their relationship and resumed contract negotiations. Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2024 Muffin Tin Meatloaf How To Thaw Frozen Meatloaf The best and safest way to defrost frozen meatloaf is to leave it in the fridge overnight. Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 13 Aug. 2024 With wood grain detailing, the toaster has seven toast shading levels and can even defrost before toasting. Kaitlin Gates, Southern Living, 1 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for defrost 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'defrost.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1895, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of defrost was in 1895

Dictionary Entries Near defrost

Cite this Entry

“Defrost.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defrost. Accessed 3 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

defrost

verb
de·​frost di-ˈfrȯst How to pronounce defrost (audio)
ˈdē-
1
: to free from a frozen state : thaw out
defrost meat
2
: to free from ice
defrost a refrigerator
3
: to remove fog or condensed moisture from
defrost the windshield

More from Merriam-Webster on defrost

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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